5G Modem Technologies

MediaTek’s leading 5G technologies & single chip designs

MediaTek has taken a comprehensive approach to 5G product development. Our 5G technologies will be integrated across our product lines, including smartphones, home and automotive, whether integrated into the SoC (single chip), such as our Dimensity Series, or as discrete modem add-on to a platform, such as the MediaTek Helio M-Series.

MediaTek has committed over 100 billion NTD (>3.3Bn USD) in 5G R&D to date and we have a long track record of R&D achievements that have enabled us to lead in many product categories. MediaTek is already deep into the development and proposal of new wireless technologies that will refine and improve the 5G experience throughout the next decade.

MediaTek 5G UltraSave

The World’s Most Power-Efficient 5G Modem Design for Smartphones

MediaTek's UltraSave Network Environment Detection and UltraSave OTA Content Awareness together manages the modem's operating mode in real-time for best power efficiency. This intelligent algorithm dynamically adjusts power configuration and operating frequency based on the network environment and data transmission quality.

Dynamic Bandwidth Part (BWP)

Depending on the real-time needs of the smartphone application, the modem can dynamically adjust the bandwidth use to accommodate light or heavy data throughput requests. When the workload is light, it can automatically switch to a low-bandwidth mode, thereby reducing power consumption.

The 5G specification requires dynamic switching between these ‘narrow’ and ‘wide’ Bandwidth Parts (BWP), according to the real-time data throughput need.

Connected Mode DRX (C-DRX)

Even when there is no data activity the smartphone modem will regularly remain powered in connected standby. This technology is also supported when 5G and 4G are simultaneously connected.

5G Carrier Aggregation Advantages

2CC CA is an essential feature in 2020 and beyond

By seamlessly managing 5G connections across a layer coverage, users can get over 30% greater throughput layer coverage than without CA, while service providers have more efficient use of 5G capacity. This gives a more consistent connectivity experience with further reach.

Enabling the World’s Fastest 5G NR SoC

5G carrier aggregation enables faster performance by combining multiple 5G connections together. The MediaTek Dimensity 1000 Series can provide up to 4.7Gbps downlink performance purely via 5G NR, making it the world’s fastest 5G integrated SoC for smartphones. Other 5G SoC products currently only offer up to 2.3Gbps, but by using the advantage of Carrier Aggregation, the Dimensity 1000 Series can combine two 5G links together to deliver much more! The result is a better user experience: enjoying the fastest possible connectivity with superb power efficiency per-byte-transferred.

Seamless Handover

5G Carrier Aggregation enables higher average speeds and a seamless handover between two connection areas. Without this technology a user will suffer performance dips as they transition between two connections.

Fast growth of 5G CA services

Compared to all previous cellular generations, 5G services are being rolled out faster than ever before, with many regions unlocking carrier aggregation services to quickly provide its essential benefits. It’s easy to see how 5G carrier aggregation is rapidly becoming the must-have feature for 5G smartphones.

First with 5G+5G Dual SIM with VoNR

Building on MediaTek’s history of industry leadership in dual SIM, dual standby (DSDS) modem designs, it has introduced 5G+5G DSDS, which gives access to VoNR services from both connections. Some markets demand dual SIM smartphones, and we’re leading the way providing this essential feature to brands and customers.

Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) Ready

Even as 5G users and services rapidly grow, existing 4G LTE services will continue in the background for a number of years. A key aspect enabling the smooth transition is Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technology. Using a simple network software upgrade, cellular providers can allow 5G and 4G to coexist at the same time and dynamically allocate the right amount of spectrum to each based on demand. MediaTek has collaborated with 5G equipment makers and global operators to validate DSS technologies, enabling Dimensity 5G-integrated SoC’s ready to support DSS as it is deployed.

5G SA Ready

The MediaTek Dimensity 5G-integrated SoC’s support both non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) architectures, enabling it the best flexibility to accommodate any 5G connection as new deployments continue around the world.